(From company literature) Gitzo G2257 Explorer Carbon 6X Tripod. The G2257 is a three-section Carbon Fiber 6X version of the Explorer Series.

Versatility is the key to this tripod. Quick to set up, rugged in construction, innovative in design, and loaded with features that offer shooting positions that would be virtually impossible with standard tripods.

Gitzo’s new generation of carbon fiber tripods incorporates a revolutionary design process that reduces overall tripod weight up to 17%* without sacrificing strength or stability.

One-third thinner than the existing tube and composed of 6 X-crossed layers, this multilayer carbon tube is a new technology which allows the tripod to have the same unparalleled performance of the well known Gitzo 1.5mm tube while offering a 30% weight reduction.

Features such as ergonomically designed leg-angle-locking that allows the legs to be individually locked at any angle from 0 to 90 degrees. The Explorer also makes ground level shooting a snap with a unique shoulder-knuckle design that allows the column to be tilted 100 degrees, rotated freely through 360 degrees, and locked into any position.

The center column is fitted with an aluminum head plate with reversible 1/4-20" and 3/8" screw, plus a retractable weight hook at the base.

Adding even more versatility to the Explorer are the G1275M and G1276M "off center" ball heads.

Unparalleled Strength
Gitzo carbon tubes use an exclusive process based on pull winding of long carbon fibers that are precisely wrapped and combined under high pressure and temperature with epoxy resin to a 1mm wall thickness. This manufacturing process ensures stiff, light tubes resistant to bending, have good tensile and compression strength, a high degree of stability in extreme temperatures, absorbs vibration and withstands fatigue better than other carbon fiber tube processes.